Run the Runway to Celebrate $15.1M Safety Renovation

Long Beach Airport (LGB) invites members of the public to experience the rare opportunity to run on a runway with a one-mile fun run on the brand new surface of Runway 7L-25R (25R) to be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The free event will include music, games, giveaways and aircraft on display.

The modernization of 25R is extremely important to airport operations, increasing the number of active runways at Long Beach Airport from two to three. When it re-opens on April 17, approximately 30 percent of air traffic will be shifted from the other two runways to 25R. The improvements made to 25R include new pavement, lighting, signage and drainage. Work was completed six weeks ahead of schedule.

“Our award-winning airport continues to invest in being as safe, sustainable and modern as any airport in the world,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The reopening of this runway is one great example of that investment.”

Anyone interested in attending should RSVP with the names of all members of their group to flylgb@longbeach.gov, or 562.570.2678, no later than March 30. Parking is available in Lot B and will be validated free of charge; shuttles will make round trips to the event site every 15 minutes beginning at 12:30 pm. The Run the Runway event is expected to begin at 2:00 pm, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by elected officials to follow at 3:00 pm. The event will close no later than 4:00 pm.

“The reopening of this runway culminates notable and necessary repairs and renovations that have been several years in the making,” said Councilwoman Stacy Mungo. “The airport is continually striving to take steps to improve itself as a community partner by enhancing the safety and reliability of its aircraft operations.”

In September 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Long Beach Airport a $15.1 million grant – the largest ever received by the airport – to refurbish 25R, and improve access to Taxiways E and F. The project also included improvements to the shoulder, perimeter road and adjoining pavement area.

“The modernized runway will enhance safety and significantly improve operations, particularly for our active general aviation community,” said Long Beach Airport Director Bryant L. Francis. “This grant allowed us to update 25R with bright new lighting, more visible signage, and a vastly improved runway surface.”

Beginning in February 2014, construction crews revived the nearly 6,200-foot-long runway by digging up three feet of asphalt and earth over its entire length, and repaving it with 50 percent recycled asphalt. Runway 25R was also outfitted with FAA-approved LED edge lighting, which is brighter, more efficient and longer-lasting. Runway 7L-25R had not been upgraded previously since 1993, and the new project will extend the life of the runway for approximately 30 years.

About Long Beach Airport

Long Beach Airport (LGB), located in Long Beach, CA, was founded in 1923, making it the oldest municipally owned airport in California. Throughout its 90-year history, LGB has been a source of substantial economic activity and business opportunities, as well as a leader in maintaining a sustainable, environmentally responsible operation. LGB hosts three airlines offering non-stop service to several U.S. cities and serving over 2.8 million commercial airline passengers annually while supporting a healthy general aviation community with more than 300,000 annual operations. For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what’s happening, “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @LBAirport.